African Commission Tackles Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has taken on issues of sexual orientation and gender identity, topics that some may have considered too “controversial” but that fall squarely within the ambit of human rights. I represented Human Rights Watch at the commission’s 60th ordinary session in early in May in Niamey, Niger. Human […]
LGBTI youth to stand proud on Youth Day with Young Heroes
On 16 June 1976, a group of young South Africans took a stand against the injustice and inequality of Apartheid, sparking an uprising that spread across the country like wildfire. Now, on 16 June 2017, young LGBTI people will once again have the chance to be part of a movement that ignites change, with the […]
Kenya | Report says homosexuality and devil worship “spreading” in schools
A Kenyan government report is perpetuating the false and dangerous belief that homosexuality is a cult-like vice that can be “spread” in schools. The report was compiled by a committee set up to investigate “unrest” in schools last year. Its members visited 97 schools and interviewed students and teachers between August and November 2016. According to […]
Out and proud | Here are ten South African openly LGBTQ MPs
Ten South African lawmakers have stood up for equality by posing for a group photo as openly LGBTQ MPs. The image, which was taken in Cape Town outside the National Assembly building in Parliament on the 1st of June, includes the following MPs: Top Row (left to right): Marius Redelinghuys, Beyers Smit, Patrick Atkinson, Gordon Mackay, […]
Second-class citizens | Discriminatory Civil Union Act must be changed
A petition has been launched to amend the Civil Union Act which allows Home Affairs marriage officers to refuse to marry same-sex couples in South Africa. Last year, Mambaonline reported that just 28,6% of Home Affairs branches have marriage officers who are willing to marry same-sex couples. This is because Section 6 of the Civil […]
Despite suspension, anti-LGBTQ hate over Knysna fires continues
While the paramedic who said that LGBTQ people were to blame for the Knysna fires has been suspended by his company, others have made similar comments on social media. Netcare 911 has confirmed that the man, who goes by the name of Bossie Boshoff (it is not clear if this is his real name), is one […]
We will not forget: Today is the 1st anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub Massacre
Today is the first anniversary of the biggest single massacre of LGBTQ people in modern history, the Pulse Nightclub Massacre. On June 12, 2016, while patrons were celebrating Latin Night at the Orlando, Florida club, 29-year-old Omar Mateen burst into the venue and opened fire on the crowd. A total of 49 LGBTQ people and […]
Hands off my rights! Durban Pride 2017
It’s June and LGBTI Pride Month all around the world. In South Africa, Durban Pride will once again raise the international LGBTI rainbow flag of unity and diversity to commemorate lives lost, struggles won and journeys ahead. It will also celebrate life, diversity and the right to self identity, determination and expression. The 2017 theme is […]
Knysna fires are God’s wrath against gays: Pink Loerie responds
A man has claimed that God has punished the fire-ravaged town of Knysna because it hosts the annual Pink Loerie LGBTIQ Festival and supports marriage equality. A screengrab of the appalling post has been circulating on social media. In it, a man called Bossie Boshoff writes in Afrikaans: “Morning everyone… Do you remember last year […]
Watch this gay KwaZulu-Natal couple’s amazing surprise marriage proposal
Two gay KwaZulu-Natal students have gotten engaged in the Durban Botanical Gardens, and their unique proposal was captured on video. Siya Ngcobo, a 27-year-old psychology and law student, and Mosa Seloane a 24-year-old final year medical student, have been together for more than two years. Avid vloggers, they started their YouTube channel as a way to […]